Iconic diva Mariah Carey launched this year’s Christmas season by turning on the Christmas lights at the Westfield Shopping Centre in London early today. The singer used the occasion to help promote her new fragrance, ‘Forever’, as well as her ‘Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel’ album which will be released on November 23rd in the UK. Mariah will perform her cover of ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ on this Sunday’s ‘The X Factor’. Keep an eye on ThatGrapeJuice for all the octave-warbling footage!

Hot on the promotional trail for her ‘Rated R’ LP, Rihanna called in to the The Bert Show on Q100 radio station in Atlanta to discuss many a topic. The interviewers asked whether she missed ex-Chris Brown, if  rumours of her dating actor Tristan Wilds of (from TV show ‘The Wire’) were true and more. Here’s what the Bajan beauty had to say:

Interviewers: Do you still miss Chris?

Rihanna: Um, sometimes. Actually yes. There are alot of reminders, alot of hotel rooms, alot of places that we’ve been to together, music, different things that come up that are reminders of your ex….I’ve gotten over it, but there’s definitely constant reminders. Alot of it is listening to the radio, songs that come on, that were our favorite songs or his songs.

Interviewers: Is there any truth to the stories that you’re dating Tristan Wilds [The Wire]?

Rihanna: I don’t even have his number…I had a house party, this is funny, you know how a bunch of people come over that you don’t even know. And he came by, which was fun for me, I appreciated the company and he brought a bunch of friends….but I dont even have his number, so I dont know how I can be dating him.

Interviewers: Are you even open to dating right now?

Rihanna: Um, no. I’m a very flirty girl though…

{Source}

Ms. Fenty sure ain’t shying away from talking about the Chris Brown scenario at any chance it’s presented to her, is she? Funny, for, when they were together, they both remained so tight-lipped about it all – despite the countless pictures and whatnot. Yes, ‘the incident’ happened, but considering  she said in her 20/20 interview that the main thing that annoyed her was that relationship shouldn’t be the public’s business, it’s somewhat confusing to see her so open about it. Artists such as ‘she who shall not be named’, have effectively managed to keep her private life private, and, most importantly, keep the focus on her music, so there are workable ways for Ms. Fenty to do the same. That said, when your music lacks substance and leaves a lot to be desired, what other options other are there? I’m just saying…

Your thoughts?

As we’ve been reporting for the last few months, Janet Jackson has been on the brink of inking a new deal with A&M Records – the label she began her career on. Well, according to the New York Daily Post, the deal was finalised with the Interscope-housed label last month.

Interestingly, the label – on which Janet saw the release of 2 of the biggest albums of her career ‘Control’ and ‘Rhythm Nation’ – always had plans to release a Janet greatest hits LP – so say our sources, yet have gone all out in the way of promotion and having Janet herself board, since signing her.

According to the newspaper, A&M/Interscope wants ‘Number Ones’ to remind people how great Janet is. There’s the  hoping it’ll wet the public’s appetite for Janet and pave the way for her new music.

Particularly amped for Janet’s new album is A&M/Interscope executive Jimmy Iovine (who janet was snapped out with last month), who has has enlisted hitmaker Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins to oversee the album.

“Jimmy has given the mandate to make this Janet record a success,” reports the paper. “He believes that he has the right team in place to finally take Janet back to the top of the music charts. It’s a top priority for the label”

As at writing, the album as a pencilled-in release window of 2nd-quarter 2010.{Source}

To say the confirmation of the deal has me uber amped would be the biggest of understatements. Very much a rooter for the underdog, I’ve been waiting the longest for the all the pieces of the jigsaw to re-align for Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty) and they seem to be doing just that. A team and label who are fully behind her, a super-producer overseeing the project, and all that jazz. Could 2010 be the year Janet re-asserts her place at the top? We sure hope so!

Tidbit: Upon hitting ‘post’, Sam goes into intense prayer and fasting in hope of another ‘Feedback’ from this Janet and Darkchild union!

Your thoughts?

R&B youngster Chris Brown took the stage last night in Los Angeles during his sold-out ‘Fan Appreciation Tour’ and performed a tribute to the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Still think that Omarion did the moon-walk correctly in his ‘Get It In’ video? Show them how it’s done Chris!

The legendary Whitney Houston and her daughter Bobbi Kristina were spotted in LAX Airport in Los Angeles recently. Whitney is scheduled to make an appearance at the American Music Awards this Sunday where she will be performing. Keep it locked on ThatGrapeJuice for all the action!

What do you think of their looks?

That Grape Juice reader Chelsie sent along these videos of Alexandra Burke performing at the Little Noise Sessions (for chairty) in Islington, North London earlier this week. During her rousing set, Ms. Burke offered an acoustic rendition of first single ‘Hallelujah’ (which you can watch above), as well as ‘The Silence’, ‘Listen’ and Jackson 5 classic ‘I’ll Be There’, which you watch after the jump.  (She did perform ‘Bad Boys’, but the quality of vid isn’t hot LOL).

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Vocal vixen Shakira performed a rendition of the Christmas classic ‘Santa Baby’ at last evening’s at NBC’s 12th Annual ‘Christmas in Rockefeller Center’. The event was held at the Rockefeller Plaza in New York City and also featured Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys and The Roots. The special will air on NBC on December 2nd.

A lot of people criticise Shakira’s singing because they don’t understand her unconventional technique. However, there is no denying that she sounded amazing in this performance. Just imagine if certain other singers tried their hands at that song; it definitely won’t be a very merry Christmas.

Thoughts?

Full video premieres tomorrow.

Your thoughts?

Pop Icon Janet Jackson‘s eagerly anticipated ABC special aired in the US a few hours ago. In this revealing interview with Robin Roberts, the youngest of the Jackson dynasty spoke candidly about the passing of her brother Michael Jackson, no longer being with Jermaine Dupri, her career and so much more. A great interview, I must say.

Your thoughts?

Controversial rapper Eminem has just announced that he will be re-releasing his hit album ‘Relapse’, which has sold over 1.5 million units to date. Mariah Carey’s biggest fan collaborated with partner 50 Cent and producer Just Blaze on the double-disc ‘Relapse: Refill’ project which will feature seven new songs. The LP will serve as a replacement to the previously announced ‘Relapse 2’ LP that the rapper promised to hit stores by the end of the year. ‘Relapse: Refill’ drops on December 22nd.

Eminem has managed to remain a major sales force on the charts since his debut almost a decade ago. However, with his new material becoming less inspired with each release, I find it incredible that he managed to sell as many records as he did this year. Maybe he ought to share his secrets with 50 because it is evident that he is in desperate need of a hit.

Thoughts?

According to popular chart analyst site HitsDailyDouble, UK singer Leona Lewis‘ second studio album is set bomb on next’s weeks US chart tally. The record, ‘Echo’,  is projected to sell a dismal 60, 000 units, completely missing the top spot. In stark contrast, Leona’s first LP, ‘Spirit’, debuted on the Billboard 200 with over 205, 000 units; more than triple the numbers that ‘Echo’ is expected to ship in it’s first week.

I am in no way shocked by this news. There has been almost zero public interest in the album, with the first single, ‘Happy’, failing to even get pass #50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Leona did experiment with a few new sounds with this project but with the lack of passion in her music and being frankly devoid of an actual personality, I found myself bored with almost the entire record. ‘Brave’ is the only interesting track on the entire album. I sense that it’s high time that her label stops trying to recapture the magic of ‘Bleeding Love’ and trying to create the next Mariah Carey. Rather, they should focus on allowing her to find her own voice in the industry.

Thoughts?

According to Hits Daily Double, rapper 50 Cent‘s album ‘Before I Self Destruct’ is on course to sell just 150, 000 copies first week, enough only to secure a #3 or #4 debut.

While decent numbers for some artists in this current climate, this has to come as a disappointment to ol’ Fiddy considering a) how much he trash talks other folks and b) how much he’s sold in the past. There’s no doubt in my mind that these sales will be blamed on the leaking of the album several weeks ahead of release; however the last time I checked, everyone and their mother’s record seems to hit the wonderful world of the Internet prior to hitting shops.

It seems as if Curtis is set to have his Ja Rule moment…ouch.

Your thoughts?